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Kand, McWaijy jc Co , frint*!* and Engraver*. Chioago 



Summer Resorts 




^Oft 



— OF THE 



TH-W 



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ON LINES OP THE 



icago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, ' 



ir/TH DESCRIPTIONS THEREOF. 



1875, 



ty People desirous ot visiting thest vvnterinsr places, or other local points on this Road, should procure 
through tickets to de-tination, by the Chicajjo, Milwaul;ee & St, Paul Railway , nnd it' I'ruiii points where 
they cannot procure through tickets, purchase tickets to Chicago, and then be sure to get their tickets 
yver this Road ; as they cannot reach the points named by any other route without tedious transfer* tlnd 
delays at junction points. 



Entersd according to Act of Con^re?-, in the ir.oiith of May, ISTJ, by A. V. II. Caepentk-k, in 
the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



CONTENTS. 



Austin, Minn 62 

Beaver Dam, Wis. 1 68 

Beaver Lake, Wis 68 

Berlin, Wis -.. 72 

Beulah Junction, Iowa . . , 61 

Brookfield, Wis 14 

Burnett Junction, Wis 70 

Calmar, la. 62 

Camp Douglas, Wis. ' 23 

Carver's Cave (near St. Paul) 51 

Chicago, 111 -.. ■ y 

Chimney Rock, Wis. 39 

Conovef, la. 62 

Decorah, la 62 

Delafield Wis 16 

Dells of Wisconsin 20 

Eagle, Wis -. 56 

Elkhart Lake 57 

Falls of Minnehaha, -Minn ... 47 

Faribault, Minn. . 63 

Farmington, Minn. _ 61 

Fort Snelling (near St. I'aul) 49 

Foster Lake, Wis 18 

Fountain Cave (near St. Paul; 51 

Fountain City, Wis 39 

Fox Lake, Wis. 68 

Fox River Canal, Wis 20 

Frontenac, Minn 42 

Greenfield, Wis. 2.3 

Green Lake, VVis. 70 

Janesville, Wis 58 \ 

Hanover, Wis 57 ; 

Hartland, Wi-- 16 

Hastings, Minn 43 | 

Helena; Wis 59 j 

Horicon Junction, Wis 68 | 

Kenosha Junction 10 

Kilbourn City, Wis 20 - 

La Belle Lake, Wis 18 

La Crescent, la 32 

La Crosse, Wis 31 

Lake City, Minn 40 

Lake Mendota, Wis. o-{ 

Lake Minnetonka, iVhnn 47 

Lake Monona, Wis p^ 

Lake Pepin iMiss. River) 38 

Lake-Side, Wis 16 

Lake Winnebago, Wis .- 71 

Lyle, Minn 66 

.Madison. Wis 58 

-Maiden Rock. Wis. 40 

Mason City, la, 67 

McGregor, la 61 



PAOB 

Mendota, Minn. 64 

Milton Junction, Wis. ..: 57 

Milwaukee, Wis 10 

Minneapolis, Minn. ..., 53 

Minnehaha River, Jlinn 47 

Minneiska, Minn. 36 

Minnesota City, Minn. ,36 

Monroe, Wis 58 

Nashotah, Wis. .. .16 

Northfield, Minn 64 

North Lake, Wis 16 

North McGregor, la. 61 

Oakton Springs, Wis 14 

Objects of Int^ere=t near St. Paul... 45 

Oconomowoc. Wis 18 

Okauchee Lake, Wis. 18 

Oshkosh, Wis. 71 

Owatonna, .Minn 63 

Palmyra, Wis. 56 

Pewaukee, Vv ii?. 14 

Pine Lake, Wis 16 

Plymouth, la 67 

Point au Sable, Minn 43 

Portage City, Wis. 20 

Postviile Junction, la 61 

Poyean Lake, Wis 72 

Prairie du Chien, Wis. 61 

Queen's Bluflf Oliss. Rivei) 34 

Racine Junction IJ 

Ramsey, Minn. 63 

Read's Landina, .Minu. 36 

Red Wins, Minn . 4i 

Ripon, \\ is. 70 

Silver Lake, Wis l^^ 

Sparta, Wis 26 

St. Anthony Falls 53 

St. Paul, Minn 44 

Stone Bank, Wis Itj 

Sncar Loaf, Minn 38 

SuJ^pension Bridge (.Minneapclii?;. .. 54 

Tomah, Wis 23 

Trcmpeleau Ishind 34 

Upper -Miss. ((Uscriptiou of >cetiL'\y i 39 

Wabasha, Minn V. 36 

Watcrtown, Wis 20 

Wacouta, Minn 43 

Waukesha, Wis 55- 

Waupun, Wis. 70. 

Winneconne, Wis 72 

Winona J; nctiun. Wis 31 

Winona, Minn :!....'. •' ■...35 

Wolf River, Wis.. 78 



MILWAUKEE, WIS. 

8. S. MERRILL, JNO. C. GAULT, 

Gen'l Manager. Assistant General Manager. 

A. V H. CARPENTER, O. E. BKITT, 

Gen'l Pass, and Ticket Agent. Gen'l Freight Agent. 

CHICA^OO OITY OFFICES, 

Nos. 61 and 63 Clark Street. 
CHARLES K. CAPKON, General Agent. 
T. E. CHANDI.ER, Pass, and Ticket Agent. 

400 East TV^ater Street, cor. 'VViscorisiTi. 
A. 31. INGEKSOLT., Pass, and Ticket Agent. 
33ejp»ot — Oor- H-eed £«.xicl So-«.tlx "STV^-tevr Streets. 

ST, F»ATJL OIT^" OFFICE, 

Corner eTackson aii(i Third Streets. 
J. A. CHANDLER, Pass, and Ticket Agent. 
X>c?j»c»* - CJoraaer «T£t.clx.80xi. Stx-ee* cfcxidL Ije-vee- 

3II1N1NEAFOLIS CITY OFFICE, 

Rotunda IVicollet House. 
C. TV. CASE, Pass, and Ticket Agent. 

At City and Depot Office. 



IVEW irOK^Ii CIT^" OFFICE, 

No. 319 Broad-way. 
ISAAC A. S>IITH, General Agent. 



BOSTOIN CITY OFFICE, 

:N'o. 1 Coiart Street. 
E. L. HILL. Agent. 




MINERAL SPRINGS— SPARTA, WIS. 
On ih» Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee 8c St. Paul Railway, 



Simmii l€§orts 



REACHED ONI.V BV THE 



CHICAGO, ilLWAUKEE^ ST PAUL RAILWT 

And requiring only one Cou pon from Chicago. 

Famed for Jiethrsrla Sjtrinff.s, 105 Miles from Chicago. 
104 Jliles from Chicago. 
107 Miles from ChicafO. 
111 3liles from Chicago. 
3 Miles from Nashotah. 



oooisroDyiioAA^^oo, 

JIG Miles from Chicago. 



KILBOURN CITY AND DELLS OF THE WISCONSIN RIVER. 

If'ifh its famous Magnetic Springs. 



:p lE^ o isr T B nsr ^ o , 

On Lahe rejnn ; the ''Long Branch'* of the West. 



iv^xisriNrB-n j^-Hi-A. :f_a.iljI1jS 



Of Historic. Fame. 



Summer Resorts requ iring two Coupon s fro m Chicago. 

O^ E IE ISr Ij .A. IBCIE , 
One Coupon Chicago to Ripoii, C, M. & St. P. R'y ; One Coupon, Ripon to 
Green Lake, by O mnibuf. 

One Coupon. Cbicairo tn Milw,iuk<'o, C. M. & St. P. R'y ; One Coupon, Mil- 
waukee to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Central R. R. 



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INTRODUCTION. 



The line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway is 
one of such varied attractions, particularly during the summer 
season, that there are few types of individuality which cannot find 
congenial scenery, society and surroundings in some of the many 
beautiful points along the road. 

In addition to the local points of attraction with which this great 
thoroughfare abounds, it is the direct connecting link between 
Chicago and many other places of interest to health and pleasure- 
seekers. Among these may be mentioned Elkhart Lake, on the 
line of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, which connects with the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in same depot in Milwaukee; 
GKeen Lake, on the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad, six miles 
from RiPON, the " Garden Station " of this Road. But it is unnec- 
essary to extend the catalogue; enough have been named to call the 
travelers' attention, which is all that can be done in this brief intro- 
duction ; besides, each of these points is but the focus of innumerable 
other objects of attraction, which must be seen to be appreciated. 

It is needless to point out routes beyond the termini of this Road. 
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis are too well known 
as great centres, not only of business but of travel, to need anything 
more than brief mention. They are the great reservoirs, so to 
speak, of the Northwest, and no one who should be permitted away 
from home without a guardian needs a guide to them. The only 
question is: Which route therefrom combines the wosi objects 
of interest to be enjoyed while traveling ? In that respect, the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul stands unrivaled ; and the traveler 
who heeds this admonition will never have reason to regret his 
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CHICAGO AND ST. PAUL LINE. 



Chicago. 

Populatiou, 450,000. 

The depot of this road in Chicago is situated at the corner of 
Madison and Canal streets, and it is readily reached by street cars 
from all the hotels and depots in the city. 

The PiTTSBURfi, Ft. Wayne & Chicago and Chicago, Alton 
& St. Louis trains arrive and depart from the depot of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in Chicago. 

From the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Lake Shore 
& Michigan Southern trains, take the State and Madison line of 
street cars. 

From the trains of the Chicago & Iowa, Chicago, Burlington 
& QuiNCY, Illinois Central, Michigan Central, Chicago & 
Michigan Lake Shore and the Grand Trunk Railways (whose 
trains arrive at and depart from the "Union Depot." at the foot of 
Lake Street), take the Madison line of street cars 

From the Grand Pacific, Palmer, Tremont, Sherman, 
Clifton, Commercial, Matteson, Gardner and Briggs Houses, 
take the Madison line of street cars, to Canal Street, the depot of 
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 

Carriages and omnibuses are always in attendance to convey pas- 
sengers to and from depot upon arrival and departure of all trains. 
From Chicago, the course of the road lies a little west of north, a 
few miles distant from the lake through the finest agricultural dis- 
trict of NorHiern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. 



10 Chicago^ Milwaukee <$; St. Paul JRailioay. 

Kenosha Junction, 

51 Miles from Chicago— 34 Miles to Milwaukee, 

Is the crossing of the Chicago and Milwaukee line of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railw^ay, and the Kenosha and Rockford 
Division of the Chicago & North- Western Railway. 

Racine Junction. 

62 Miles from Chicago— 23 Miles to Milwaukee. 

The main line of the Western Union Railroad, extending from 
Rock Island on the Mississippi river, to Racine on Lake Michigan, 
crosses at this point. 

Milwaukee. 

Population, 100,000—85 Miles from Chicago— 324 Miles to St. Paul. 

This city is the grand centre and converging point of the several 
lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway System, com- 
prising the following lines : 

Chicago to Milwaukee 85 miles. 

Milwaukee to La Crosse 196 *' 

La Crescent to St. Paul 130 " 

Milwaukee to Prairie du Chien 193 *' 

Milton to Monroe 42 " 

North McGregor to St. Paul 212 " 

Conover to Decorah 10 " 

Mendota to j\Iinneapolis 9 " 

Calmar to Algona 126 " 

Austin to Mason City 40 " 

Hastings to Glencoe. 74 " 

Watertowu to Madison . . . 37 " 

Milwaukee to Portage , 95 " 

Horicon to Berlin and Winneconne. . 58 *' 



Chicago S St. Paul Line. 11 



Sabula to Marion 88 miles. 

Ripon to Oslikosli 19 " 

Madison to portage 39 " 

Forming a total mileage of 1,453 miles under one management, 
whose general offices are located in the city of Milwaukee. 

Milwaukee has a population of one hundred thousand inhabitants, 
in round numbers ; it is the county seat of Milwaukee county, and 
is the most populous city in Wisconsin. It is situated on the west 
shore of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Milwaukee river. The 
river approaches from the north in a direction nearly parallel with 
the lake shore, and is joined about half a mile from its mouth by the 
Menomonee river, which comes from the west. The largest boats 
of the lakes can ascend these rivers upwards of two miles. Over a 
half million dollars have been expended from time to time in im- 
proving the harbor. The banks of the river are lined upon either 
side with massive grain and store houses, the receptacles of the com- 
merce of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and the territories beyond. 
The rivers divide the city into what are known as the East, West and 
South Sides. The business part of the city lies on both sides of the 
river and extending over two miles. The river was formerly lined 
by bluffs which have been graded and leveled down, giving to the 
streets a gradual rise as they recede from the river ; this fact renders 
the city an easy one to drain, and it has assisted very materially in 
the present complete system of sewerage. The streets are washed by 
every rain, the water flowing down to the river instead of standing 
in pools. The location, the cleanliness of the streets, the admirable 
sanitary regulations which are stringently enforced, and the intel- 
ligence of the people, combine to make the city one of the most 
healthful and delightful of the Northwest for the pleasure-seeker. 
The name, Milwaukee, is of Indian origin, and, like all words of 
that tongue, its significance is at once striking and appropriate : 
"Place of the Beautiful" is the true meaning of the term, though 
many render it "Beautiful View" 



12 Chicago^ Milvmukee <& St. Paul Railway . 

Its admirable situation on the lake, fanned by the invigorating 
breezes that pour in a continual current over the broad expanse of 
water, bringing relief and comfort in the hottest season^, gives it a 
climate especially commended to those who seek rest and recupera- 
tion during the hot mouths of the year. The lake shore rises to a 
bold bluff, commanding the finest view and the most charming drives 
known to this region. Along these avenues are stately mansions, with 
large parks, invitmg shades, and cool retreats. Here the most pros- 
perous seek rest and retirement from the busy scenes of the day in 
the quiet seclusion of home ; and here, also, the tourist enjoys the 
grandest scenery from an outlook adorned with every novel attrac- 
tion and modern convenience. 

The route along the shore to White Fish Bay is fully equal to the 
famous "Shell Road " of New Orleans or *' Bloomingdale," near 
New York, while it affords a diversity of sights and scenes not 
embraced in either. The western part of the city is but little less 
attractive ; it abounds in grand views and bold outlooks, while in 
every portion we find abundant reason to exclaim with the 
Aborigines, " Place of the Beautiful !" 

There are many points of interest in the immediate vicinity. 
Hunting and fishing of the very best kind are to be had within easy 
reach. The lake affords excellent opportunities for sailing and 
rowing. Inland lakes, at but a short distance from the city, are full 
of the choicest fish, while wild fowl of every kind swarm thither at 
the proper seasons. 

A short distance outside of the city is the celebrated Pool of 
Siloam, a mineral spring of rare medicinal properties. The analysis 
of this water, and the experience of those who have used it, have 
shown it to be of great benefit to all constitutions suffering from 
nervousness, debility, over-work, or sleeplessness. Its especial 
benefit is shown in all cases of disease of the kidneys, etc. The 
water is shipped to all parts of the world, and its reputation is 
second to none 



Chicago c£* St. Paul Line. 



13 




14 Chicago^ Milwavkee <Sb St. Paxil Railway. 

Tourists and pleasure-seekers will find the hotel accommodations 
thoroughly first-class, comprising all the mo lern conveniences, while 
in keeping they embrace every luxury and attention. 

Brookfleld, Wis. 

Population, 3,000—98 ^Miles from Chicago— 321 Miles to St. Paul. 

Pewaukee, Wis. 

Population, 2,000—104 Miles from Chicago— 19 Miles from Milwaukee— 305 Miles to 

St. Paul. 

The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway here enters the 
lake region of Wisconsin. The town of Pewaukee— at the eastern 
extremity of a lake of the same name, in nearly the geographical 
centre of Waukesha county — has a charming situation in one of the 
most beautiful and sequestered spots of our country. The lake is 
four and one-half miles long, by about one mile in width ; it is of 
irregular shape and it has an average depth of fifty feet, with an 
altitude of 263 feet above Lake Michigan. 

It is called Pewaukee-wee-ning, or " Lake of Shells," from the great 
number of small shells found in the sand along its shores. 

The shooting and fishing on this lake are so good as to make it a 
resort, of many of the best sportsmen in the Northwest. It has no 
rival for miles around as a spot for a hunting camp in the fall. 

In the immediate vicinity of the town are the Oakton Springs, 
in a beautiful grove on the south side of the lake. The water of the 
chief spring of this group has been known and used for many years. 
The others, of which there are four, have been recently tested, and 
their analysis justifies a claim to a fair share of public patronage. 
The hotel accommodations here are all that could be desired, and a 
miniature steamer, with capacit}'- sufficient to carry safel}^ one hun- 
dred and fifty passengers, has lately been put on the lake for the 
accommodation of visitors. 



Chicago S St. Paul Line. 



15 




CAMPING OUT ON PEWAUKEE LAKE. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



16 Chicago^ Milwauhee & JSt. Paul Railway. 

Lake-Side des Beautiful. 

107 Miles from Chicago— 22 Miles from Milwaukee— 302 Miles to St. Paul. 

This station, near the north and "west shores of Pewaukee lake, 
is the stopping place for passengers wishing to visit the cottages on 
this side of the lake. This beautiful place has accommodations for 
about seventy guests. The cottages have a frontage of one-half 
mile on the lake, and the facilities for boating, fishing, and other 
recreations are unsurpassed. The beauty of its natural scenery and 
the excellence of its appointments make it one of the most agreeable 
places of summer resort in the Northwest, For particulars con- 
cerning the accommodations, address H. E. Dickinson, lessee of 
cottages, Milwaukee, Wis. 

Hartland, Wis. 

108 Miles from Chicago— 23 Miles from Milwaukee— 301 Miles to St. Paul 

Many visitors stop here for the cottages on the east side of Pine 
lake, on Beaver lake, and also on North lake. The last named 
locality has only recently received much attention, but it is rapidly 
becoming second only to Waukesha and Oconomowoc as a place of 
fashionable resort. Three miles further, the line of the road passes 
between Pine and Nigha-Wigha lakes, arriving at 

Nashotahy Wis. 

Ill Miles from Chicago— 26 Miles from Milwaukee— 298 Miles to St. Paul. 

From this point visitors go north to the summer residences on 
the west bank of Pine lake, and to Stone Bank ; south, to Delafield, 
where the Nemahbin Springs Company are making extensive 
improvements for the accommodation of summer visitors ; and 
southwest to Nashotah Mission, the site of a Theological Seminary 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 



Chicago <& JSt. Paul Line, 11 

This is the centre of the lake region. The four lakes— the two 
Nashotas and the two Nemahbins — are near each other, with high, 
bold banks, affording building sites of unsurpassed beauty, which 
are being rapidly occupied. The buildings of Nashotah Seminary 
already cover some of the more conspicuous positions. 

The history of this seminary is full of romance: it was founded in 
the wilderness in 1842, and now, after thirty-three years, it is still 
dependent upon the railroad trains for its daily supplies. Its recent 
graduating class numbered ten, making the total number of alumni 
one hundred and sixty-seven. Nemahbin Cottage, the residence of 
the Rev. Dr. Kemper, commands one of the most striking views of any 
to be found in the vicinity. The township of Summit ranks as one 
of the best in the State for the attractiveness of its farms and the 
culture of its inhabitants. 

Taking this as a centre, a circle described with a radius of eight 
miles would contain twenty-four lakes, whose waters are pure as 
crystal and literally alive with fish. It is questionable whether 
scenes of greater loveliness can be produced elsewhere. The views 
are fascinating beyond expression, and lovers of the beauties of nature 
come often and linger long. The place is vastly appreciated by 
tourists, and the locality has been known sufficiently long to have 
its regular habitues, to say nothing of the transient visitors of each 
successive season. People flock here regularly from Cincinnati, 
Louisville, St. Louis, New Orleans, Mobile, New York, Chicago, 
and the other principal cities of the Union, while the attendance 
from abroad is by no means small. Hotels and other conveniences 
have sprung up with inconceivable rapidity, accommodations have 
been everywhere extended, and all preparations have been made to 
entertain guests in the most satisfactory manner. 

Among all the attractions, there are none that will at all compare 
with the magnificence of the drives. These are natural to the soil, 
while the glorious sights presented in the splendor of the scenes, 
are lovely beyond all comparison. While there is much that is mar- 



18 Chicago^ Milwaukee <Sb St. Paul Railway, 

velous, wonderful, and grand, in Wisconsin, there is here more that 
is beautiful, with the fairest of scenes budding all around, and the 
full blossom in the very midst. Here assemble the elite, the favored 
and fashion of the world. 

West from Nashotah, and not far away to the north, plainly visi- 
ble from the road, is Okauchee lake, and nearer, on the south, lies 
Oconomowoc lake. Here, Gifford (a new station) affords an oppor- 
tunity to stop at one of the most favorite summer resorts, and an 
mtroduction to the valley of the Oconomowoc river and its many 
lakes. Silver, Foster, La Belle, etc. 

The celebrated Nemahbin mineral springs are situated in this 
vicmity. The water, it is said, cheereth and enliveneth the heavy 
heart, and maketh man to forget both sorrow and debt. 

Oconomowoc, Wis- 

Population, 2,000—116 Miles from Chicago— 31 Miles from Milwaukee— 303 Miles 
to St. Paul. 

The literal translation of this name is, ' ' Place of the Beaver," 
Oconomie, from the Pottowattomie language, meaning beaver, and 
iDoc signifying place. It is also rendered b}'- the romantic and fanci- 
ful, though purely fmaginative, "Beautiful Waters — Home of the 
AVinds." It is a word of five syllables ; the primary accent is on the 
second syllable, and the secondary, on the last ; it is pronounced 
O-con-o-mo-woc. 

The location is in the most beautiful and flourishing agricultural 
region in the Northwest. As a summer resort it is popularly known 
as the " Sakatoga of the West." It affords delightful scenery, 
and it is noted for its numerous lakes and streams, superb fishing 
grounds, magnificent drives, commodious liveries, the excellence of 
its hotels, and the multiplicity of its attractions. 



Chicago <h St. Paul Line. 



19 




^'^'^f^^'^''^ 



LAC LA BELLE— NEAR OCONOMOWOC, WIS. 
On the Line of the Chicago, IVliiwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



20 Chicago, Milwaukee <!b St. Paul Railway. 



Watertown, Wis. 

Population, 6,000—129 Miles from Chicago— 280 Miles to St. Paul. 

The Watertown and Madison branch here forms a junction with 
the Chicago and St. Paul line, 37 miles east of Madison. 

Portage City, Wis- 

Population, 5,000—176 Miles from Chicago— 2.33 Miles to St. Paul. 

This place, situated on the Chicago and St, Paul line, is the north- 
ern terminus of the Madison and Portage line, and, also, the western 
terminus of the Portage branch of the Northern Division of the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. It is the county seat 
of Columbia county, and it is pleasantly situ-ited at the head of 
navigation on the Wisconsin river, and on the ship canal connect- 
ing the waters of that river with Lake Michigan. Portage City is 
an important depot for pine lumber. Steamers with barges con- 
stantly ply between this point and Green Bay. 

The Fox River Canal, one and one-half miles in length, flows from 
the Wisconsin river at Portage City, into Fox river, thus uniting the 
tributary waters of the Mississippi and St. Lawrence. The fall of 
water in the canal is seven feet, affording good hydralic power for 
manufacturing purposes. The elevation of the water at Portage 
City is 7T3 feet above the ocean, 105 feet above Lake Michigan, and 
173 feet above the Mississippi, at the mouth of the Wisconsin river. 

Kii bourn City. 

193 Miles from Chicago— 216 Miles to St. Paul. 

The Chicago and St. Paul Line here crosses the Wisconsin river, 
near the ^^ Dells of the Wisconsin,''' vfYAclx are among the greatest 
natural curiosities in the world. European travelers pronounce them 
to be far more M^onderful than anything of a similar character in the 



Chicago dt St. Paul Line. 



21 




^^^m 



DELLS OF THE WISCONSI N— VISOR LEDGE, EAST OF STAND ROCK— NEAR 
KILBOURN CITY. 



On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



22 Chicago^ Mihoaxikee & St. Paul Railway. 




DFLLS OF THE WISCONSI N — I NKSTAN D AND SUGAR BOWL— NEAR 
KILBOURN CITY. 



On the Line of the Chicago, IVlilwaukee & St, Paul Railway. 



Chicago & St Paul Line. 23 



Old World. The strange formations of the locality have attracted 
the attention of some of the most eminent geologists; the results of 
their investigation will be awaited with interest. Our engravings 
are but a feeble illustration of the scenery in this locality. A well 
known photographer of Kilbourn City, supplies the world with fine 
stereoscopic views of this wild and wonderful region. The visitor 
finds material here for admiration and reflection, not for a day, but 
for all time, and the place is as justly sought as the Pyramids of 
Egypt, the Wonders of the Nile, or the Valley of the Yo Semite. 
The Chicago, IMilwaukee & St. Paul Railway is the only road by 
which this vicinity can be reached. 

Camp Douglas Junction, Wis. 

•225 Miles from Chicago— 184 Miles to St. Paul. 
Crossing of the West Wisconsin Railway. 

Tomah Junction, 

238 Miles from Chicago— 171 Miles to St. Paul, 

Is the junction with, and southern terminus of, the Wisconsin 
Valley Railroad. From this point, the large manufacturing town of 
Grand Rapids, Wis., is reached; also, the great lumber market of 
Warsaw, Wis. 

Greenfield, Wis., 

241 Miles from Chicago— 168 Miles to St. Paul. 

Is situated near the dividing bluffs which separate the La Crosse 
valley from the tributaries of the Wisconsin river. Here is the 
great tunnel, 68 rods in length, through which the railroad track 
passes. The trout fishing in this locality is very fine during the 
proper season. 



24 



Chicago, 3fihoaiikee <& St. Paid Railway. 




DELLS OF THE WISCONSIN— JAWS OF THE DELLS— NEAR KILBOURN CITY. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



Chicago & St. Paul Line. 



25 




CASTLE ROCK— NEAR SPARTA, WIS. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



26 Chicago^ Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 

Sparta, Wis., 

Population, 3,500—255 Miles from Chicago— 154 Miles to St. Paul. 

Sparta is situated on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
Railway, 255 miles from Chicago, and 25 miles from the Mississippi 
river, in the upper portion of the La Crosse valley, and enjoys a repu- 
tation for healthfulness almost unprecedented. The following 
analysis of the 

Sparta Mineral Water, 
celebrated for its medicinal and curative properties, made by Prof. 
J. M. Hirsh, Analytical Chemist, Chicago, shows one gallon of this 
water to contain 23.21735 grains of solid matter, as follows: 

Carbonate of Iron 14.33501 

" Magnesia 6.03101 

" Lime 0.40202 

Strontia 0.01402 

" Baryta 0.00600 

" Manganese 0.00072 

Soda 0.21020 

Lithia 0.02400 

" Ammonia 0.00210 

Sulphate of Soda 3.21430 

The Warner House is located directly opposite the celebrated 
Court House Well, and has been recently enlarged, and now offers 
to the pleasure-seeker and invalid 115 w^ell furnished rooms, 40 of 
which are in suits, on the ground floor. lu connection with the 
House are Dr. A. B. Nichols' celebrated Turkish Baths. 

Castle Rock. 

Among the many attractions of Sparta is Castle Rock. Crowning 
the highest point in a vast range of towering bluffs, at an altitude of 
600 feet above the level of the valley below, it overlooks the entire 
La Crosse valley, some forty miles in length, and gives to those who 



Sulphate of Potash 0.64130 

" Lime 0.18020 

Chloride of Calcium 0.60502 

Sodium 9.14301 

Iodide of Sodium 0.00014 



Phosphate of Soda 


... 0.06400 


" Alumina 

" Silica 


... 0.06080 
... 0.28000 


Hydric Sulphide 


... 0.00310 



Chicago cfc St. Paul Line, 27 

mount to its rocky summit a clear and distinct view of the Minne- 
sota hills, on the western bank of the Mississippi river, near thirty miles 
westward from Sparta. A charming drive of half an hour over a 
smooth and well worked road, bordered by cultivated fields and 
shady groves, and crossed by babbling brooks, brings the tourist to 
the wooded hillsides, which lie in beauty beneath this rocky wonder. 
Up to its very base the carriage road extends, where safe and con- 
venient stairways furnish the means of scaling its dizzy heights. 
From this lofty eminence the visitor beholds a panorama of bewitch- 
ing loveliness. Beneath him nestles in its forest of shade trees the 
Young City which has become so famous within the past few years 
as the most popular summer resort in the West. 

In all directions is spread out an ever- varying landscape of sur- 
passing beauty, and one which the eye never tires in beholding, and 
the mind never wearies in contemplating. On the north, the south, 
the east, and the west, appears one grand succession of verdure- 
covered hills, relieved by occasional valleys, of the richest soil, wa- 
tered by the meandering streams, so famous for their production of 
speckled trout. The grandeur and the variety of the scenery which 
characterizes the La Crosse valley, as seen from the towering height 
of Castle Rock, is not surpassed upon the AVestern Continent, and pre- 
sents a picture which no language can describe, but one which must 
be seen to be appreciated. 

If it were possible to add anything to the natural beauty and 
attractions of this weird and legendary locality, it is being done by 
cji enterprising and public-spirited caterer of well known repute, in 
the erection of a large and commodious summer house at the base of 
the rock, where refreshments will be served during the watering 
season, and where billiards, ten pins, dancing, etc., will invite visit- 
ors to such harmless amusements, or contribute to their health, hap- 
piness and tastes, which will render this romantic spot the favorite 
resort of the thousands who annually visit Sparta in search of health 
and pleasure. 



28 Chicago^ Milioauhee db St. Paul Maikoay. 




PERCH LAKE— NEAR SPARTA, WIS. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee &c St. Paul Railway. 



Chicago & St. Paid Line. 29 



Perch Lake. 

Prominent among the many attractions of Sparta, and its environs, 
is the bewitchingly lovely little lake which borders the northern limits 
of the city, and which, from the peculiarity of the fish which pre- 
dominate in its placid waters, is known as Perch Lake. This grandly 
beautiful little body of water has its source at the base of the great 
hills, which tower so magnificently at a distance of five miles in a 
northern direction from Sparta, where its bright pure waters^ find 
their way into Perch Lake, in a meandering stream, through one of 
the richest agricultural regions to be found in the great Northwest. 
The lake is well stocked with perch, than which, with the exception 
of the speckled trout, so common in the streams of the La Crosse 
valley, there is no more beautiful or savory fish within the entire 
range of the " finny tribe." Aside from the rare sport of angling 
for perch, the lake affords the pleasure-seeker a welcome opportunity 
to indulge his taste for rowing, by the free use of the neatly con- 
structed row-boats which skim so blithely over its glassy surface. 

Trout Falls. 

About five miles from Sparta, in a north-easterly direction, the 
tourist finds himself in the presence of a gorgeous cascade known 
as Trout Falls. This singular but beautiful waterfall occurs in the 
La Crosse river, some eight miles from its source. The stream winds 
its torKious course through dense forests of pine, gradually increas- 
ing in width and volume until it reaches the Falls, where it pours its 
impetuous flood of waters over a rocky ledge into a foaming abyss, 
many feet below. In the immediate vicinity of the Falls, nature 
seems to be in the full enjoyment of her primeval solitude, except 
occasional interruptions from admiring visitors. Stately pines tower 
above the seething stream. Just below the Falls is the most favora- 
ble location for trout fishing to be found in the La Crosse valley. 
From this immediate locality thousands of pounds of speckled trout 



30 Chicago^ Milwaukee <& St. Paul Railway. 




TROUT FALLS-NEAR SPARTA, WIS. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



Chicago S St. Paul Line. 31 

have been caught within the past few years and shipped to Eastern 
markets, causing serious apprehensions of a complete decimation of 
these superior fish in the La Crosse river and its trout-producing 
tributaries. But the fears heretofore indulged in, in this respect, 
have been allayed by the recent action of the County Board, acting 
upon the authority conferred upon them by an Act of the last Legis- 
lature, who have enacted stringent regulations for the protection of 
fish within the limits of the county. This will prevent the wholesale 
capture of trout from this locality, leaving them to furnish sport for 
such lovers of trout fishing as catch them for home use rather than 
for shipment abroad. 

Winona Junction. 

277 Miles from Chicago— 132 Miles to St. Paul. 

Crossing of the Chicago & North- Western Railway. 

La Crosse, Wis., 

Population, 10,000—280 Miles from Chicago— 129 Miles to St. Paul. 

Is the point at which the main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Railway crosses the Mississippi river. It is also the eastern ter- 
minus of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, and close connections are 
made for Rushford, Lanesboro, Spring Valley, Ramsey, Albert 
Lea, "Wells, and Winnebago City. La Crosse is the county seat of 
La Cro»se county, beautifully situated on the left or east bank of the 
Mississippi river, at the mouth of the La Crosse river ; by the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, it is 132 miles south of St. 
Paul. It is one of the principal cities of the Upper Mississippi. 
The city has a large trade with the surrounding region, and quite a 
jobbing trade with the valleys of the Black and Chippewa rivers. 
The commerce of the Upper Mississippi is also of great value. 



32 Chicago^ MihoauJcee c& St. Paid Raihoay. 

The site of the city is described as a smiling prairie, level as a 
billiard table, spread out on each side of the La Crosse river for 
several miles. The spot was the great ball-playing ground of the 
Indian tribes for hundreds of miles around. The early French 
travelers called this game " La Crosse," which was the name after- 
wards given to the settlement. 

La Crescenty Iowa, 

282 Miles from Chicago— 129 Miles to St. Paul. 

The southern terminus of the River Line of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul Railway, is situated on the western bank of the 
Mississippi river, opposite the city of La Crosse. It is also the 
eastern terminus of the Southern Minnesota Railroad (see La Crosse). 
From this point, the beautiful scenery of the Upper Mississippi 
gradually expands to the view of the beholder. The valley of the 
river extends from three to five miles in width, the hills receding, 
leaving long slopes of upland, covered with noble trees. The river 
is studded with islands, all of which are low, composed of alluvial soil, 
washed from the banks; they are covered with a dense undergrowth 
of shrub oak, amidst which occasional cotton- woods soar up to a 
considerable height. Sometimes they are in the centre, sometimes 
they fringe the banks; but, in every position, they add greatly to the 
beauty of the scene. 

The bluffs here are, in many cases, over six hundred feet high, 
and of varied shapes, the pyramidal beginning to appear with 
persistent recurrence. The line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Road winds around these bluffs, following the course of the 
stream, in full view of the broad expanse of river, islands, and both 
shores. As seen from the windows of the elegant coaches of this 
line, the view resembles a continuous landscape, painted in such 
combinations of colors, of different degrees of light and shade and 
beauty of perspective, as never fail to claim the admiration of all 
lovers of the beautiful. The scenery at once becomes a subject of 



Chicago <& St. Paul Line. 



33 




34 Chicago^ MilwaroJcee S St. Paul Railway. 

study for all true artists. Queen's Bluff, a fragmentary pyramidal 
bluff, is one of the landmarks by wliicli we may know we are ap- 
proaching the fairy region of Trempeleau Island. Queen's Bluff 
has not been cleft in twain by the great Mississippi of the past, but 
its face has been scooped out by the winds, and Nature has kindly 
filled up the gloomy void with fine trees. Its southern side is ex- 
posed directly to the noonday sun, and it is a bare, precipitous mass 
of glaring white, w^ithout so much as a blade of grass to shade it 
from the sun's fierce kisses. There are great cracks in it which are 
positively blue in shadow from the intensity of the glare. 

Trempeleau Island, the second of the three rocky islands of the 
Mississippi, is sometimes called Mountain Island, for it attains in 
one part an altitude of five hundred and sixty feet. But the name 
which the French voyageurs gave it is so poetical that it would be a 
sin to change it — " Mont qui trempe a Veau " — (Mountain which dips 
in the Water). Nothing can be conceived more beautiful than the 
approach to this most romantic and picturesque spot. In the 
wriiar's opinion, it is only rivaled by the far-famed scenery of Lake 
Pepin, further up the river. 

The river lies like a lake in the bosom of the hills, which, in their 
varied beauty, defy description. They do not present an amphi- 
theatre of peaks, but are rather like an edging or the setting of 
emeralds around a diamond. Their forms offer every possible com- 
bination of picturesque lines, every known conformation of lime- 
stone rocks, blended with ever-changing hues of green, from the 
deep tints of evergreens to the bright emerald of grassy plains. 
The river seems to sleep below, its placid surface giving back all the 
glorious beauty of its environing. 

The islets that nestle around the huge form of Trempeleau are 
mostly covered with sedge-crashes, waving with the slightest puff 
of air. Parts of the mountain are covered by thick forests, growing 
with the greatest luxuriance on the steep ascent. There are spaces 
where nothing but the barren rock is seen, with all its huge stratifi- 



Chicago & -JSt. Paul Line. 35 

cation exposed to view. Spots are covered with a minute lichen, 
which gives tlie limestone a warm, rich effect, like red sandstone; 
in other spots it is dazzling white, like marble. Nothing is more 
suggestive in the distance than a view of the winding path up 
Trempeleau, especially when behind it a golden-edged cloud of 
cumulus formation is slowly sailing by. Then it seems a path to 
El Dorado, to the cities of elf -land, where, in silence, await the 
bold adventurer, beauteous maidens, in fountained courts, rich in 
perfume of celestial flowers, and where birds sing strains of a sweet- 
ness never heard from mortal instrument, but akin to those divine 
airs that flit through the brain, as pitilessly beyond the grasp as the 
golden-cornered cloud itself. Trempeleau is a study for the painter, 
a theme for the poet, a problem for the geologist, and a clew for the 
historian. 

It is impossible to say under what aspect Trempeleau looks the 
best — whether from the distance below, from a nestling-place in the 
islets at its feet, or from the village of Trempeleau five miles above. 

Winona, 

Population, 10,000—297 Miles from Chicago— 103 Miles to St. Paul. 

Is the Queen City of Southern Minnesota, situated on a beautiful 
level prairie, on the west bank of the river. It is the county seat 
of WiDona county (one of the largest and richest counties in the 
State), an important station on the River Line of the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul Railway, the western terminus of the Green Bay 
& Minnesota Railroad, and the eastern terminus of the Winona & 
St. Peter Division of the Chicago & North-Western Railwa}^ Close 
connections are made for St. Charles, Rochester, Owatonna, Maukato, 
New Ulm, and Lake Kampeska, Dakota. Winona is one of the chief 
commercial points on the Upper Mississippi, and it enjoys a large 
trade with the rich surrounding region. It is by far the largest 
wheat market in the State, and is second to none west of the Mis- 



Chicago^ MilwauTcee <& St, Paul Raihoay. 



sisfeij^pi river. Nearly 2,000,000 bushels are shipped from here 
aunually. The hotel accommodations are ample, and the touilst 
can spend a few days here with both pleasure and profit. 

Minnesota City. 

Population, 500—312 Miles from Chicago— 97 Miles to St. Paul, 

Minneiska, Minn. 

Population, 500—323 Miles from Chicago— 86 Miles to St. Paul. 

Wabasha, Minn., 

Population, 3,000—339 Miles from Chicago— 70 Miles to St. Paul. 

Is the county seat of Wabasha county, situated on the left bank of 
the jVIississippi, nearly opposite the mouth of the Chippewa river. 
Up to the date of 1830, Wabasha was the capital of the great nation 
of i)ie Dakota or Sioux tribe of Indians, the most powerful confed- 
eration on the American continent. Here the Grand "Sachem" 
resided, and received annually the warriors and chief men of the 
nation. Their feasts, councils of war, religious ceremonies, etc., 
were held here; here, also, they buried their dead, as the many 
mounds in the vicinity testify. At a short distance from the village 
site, overlooking the river, is a group of some seventy-five mounds, 
circular in form, which serve to mark the last resting-place of many 
a daring Sioux. 

Read's Landing, Minn. 

Population, 1,000—311 Miles from Chicago— 68 .Miles to St. Paul. 

One-half mile below Lake Pepin, opposite the mouth of the Chip- 
pewa river, the bluffs rise almost from the water's edge to the height 
of 500 feet. Here has sprung up a thriving village, which owes its 
existence principally to the Chippewa lumber trade, this being tlie 



38 Chicago, MihoauJcee S St. Paul Raihcay. 



starting place for all Chippewa river lumber rafts, and the point at 
which their supplies are secured, Chippewa river is navigable for 
steamers of light draught to the Chippewa Falls, a distance of i 
ninety miles. J 

Lake Pepin, a most lovely.sheet of water, is an expansion of the-; 
river from three to five miles in width, and about twenty-five in| 
length. It affords some of the finest fishing in Minnesota. * 

The water is very deep, and, in the summer time, the unruffled 
expanse, unbroken by a single island, is so still that one cannot dis- 
cern with the eye any appearance of a current. A superb amphi- 
theatre of bluffs encloses the lake, many of which have an elevation 
of 500 feet. These present every variety of form, some of them 
being square masses, like the keep of an old castle ; others flow out 
in a series of bosses ; many are angular, and some, conical. Here, 
in one direction, is a pyramid, with numerous depressions and 
ravines mottling the white mass with veins of shadow; and here, in 
another, is a vertical wall, with perfect mouldings of cornices and 
plinths. Anon, there steals into view a gently-sloping mount, 
covered with herbage and trees. All of these are reflected in the 
delicate-hued surface of the lake with perfect fidelity; so deep, clear 
and crystal-like are the waters, that the dark, stern capes are given 
back with scrupulous exactitude, line for line, bush for bush, mass 
for mass. 

The most prominent landmarks are "Sugar Loaf," on the west, 
and " Maiden Rock," on the east. From these lofty heights, the 
bright sky and transparent atmosphere of Minnesota can be best 
appreciated. From their summits, the lake, with its magnificent 
expanse of water, its half-dozen or more villages, its bluffs and 
canons, is spread before the eye for fifteen or twenty miles, present- 
ing a landscape of unsurpassed beauty. At sunrise or sunset the 
view from these points is most wonderful and grand. Writers, both 
ancient and modern, have depleted language of all adjectives and 
superlatives iu their efforts to paint the sunsets of Italy. Lake 



Chicago <^ St. Paid Line. 39 

Pepin has improved upon the Old World style of putting Sol to 
sleep, and connoisseurs in such matters declare the improvement to 
be perfect and complete. 

The Upper Mississippi should be visited by every painter and 

[poet in America, and, during the summer months, it should become 

the headquarters of every one who loves the scenery of his country. 

[t is hardly consistent with a commentatete amor patrim for Ameri- 

jans to wander off to the Rhine and the Danube, when, in the 

[ississippi, they have countless Rhines and many Danubes. What 
loes it matter if every peak along the former has the dismantled 

alls of some robber-baron's den ? Is Drachenfels one whit more 
castellated than any of the nameless bluffs about Trempeleau ? All 
that is beautiful in lake scenery, in lower mountain scenery, in river 
scenery, is gathered here. The great trees that line the bases of 
Trempeleau are worthy of the Titan that has nourished them. The 
little isles crouch at the foot of the mountain-island as if seeking 
protection from the rush of spring waters, or the live bolt of the 
storm. They are of every shape, and the combinations of their trees 
and their sedgy banks offer a thousand tints of beauty and sugges- 
tions of romance to the intelligent glance that takes them in; while 
the clear, limpid water that glides around them, laving the rocky 
sides of the grand Trempeleau, gleams with such brightness under 
the sunlight, and sleeps in such silvery lengths under the moonlight, 
that one cannot but love it. Viewed from a passing train, the little isles 
appear like dots of trees springing up out of the silvery wave that 
spreads itself out in a dazzling sheet of reflected sunshine. If any 
one, after seeing these things, still pines for the castled crags of the 
Rhine, let him go to Fountain City, Wis. , a village on the east bank 
of the river, about midway between Winona and Minneiska. Here 
a fine, romantic view of the celebrated Chimney Rock can be had 
from a passing train on the River Division of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul Railway. It is true that the hand of man never 
wrought at these things, but, for all that, it is the precise image of 



40 Chicago^ Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



Chepstow Keep in "Merrie England," and it is, to all intents and 
purposes, as much a castle as any ruin on the German river. 

A fine panoramic view is unfolded to the gaze from a train passing 
Lake Pepin; the road winds around the base of the bluffs and skirts 
the lake its entire length, giving to this route between Chicago and 
St. Paul the greatest number of miles of the finest scener}' on the 
American continent. 

Lake City, Minn., 

Population, 3,500-352 Miles from Chicago— 57 Miles to St. Paul. 

One of the prettiest towns in Minnesota, and the largest village on 
Lake Pepin, is a favorite resort for tourists and pleasure-seekers ; 
situated about midway on the west shore of the lake, the site was, 
until some years ago, a half-breed reservation — a beautiful and fertile 
plain, some five miles in length, and two miles in width, lying within 
an amphitheatre of bluffs, which shield it from the prairie above. 
Being the grain shipping point and business centre of one of the 
best agricultural counties in the State, it is one of the most active 
and enterprising towns on the Upper Mississippi. The hotel accom- 
modations are ample, and the well-kept liveries are a delight to all 
who have occasion to visit the many beautiful drives in the vicinity. 
An excellent view of "Maiden Rock" can be had from the line of 
the road as it traverses the plain upon which the village of Lake City 
stands. This bluff, grand in nature, and interesting in its romantic 
associations, has a sad story to tell to each passer by. It is a true 
tale of Indian life, and will forever hallow the Maiden's Rock or 
Lover's Leap. " Winona, a beautiful girl of Wabasha's tribe, loved 
a young hunter, and promised to become his bride. Her parents, 
like too many in Christian lands, were ambitious, and they promised 
her to a distinguished warrior, who had smitten manfully the hostile 
Chippewas. The maiden refused the hand of the brave, and clung 
to the fortunes of the hunter, who had been driven to the wilder- 



42 Chicago^ ITilwatihee tJb St. Paul Haihcay. 

ness by menaces of death. The indignant father declared his deter- 
mination to wed her to the warrior that very day. The family were 
encamped on Lake Pepin, in the shadow of the great rock. Starting 
like a frightened fawn at the cruel announcement, she swiftly climbed 
to the summit of the cliff, and there, with bitter words, reproached 
her friends for their cruelty to the hunter and her own heart. 
She then commenced singing her dirge. The relenting parents, see- 
ing the peril of their child, besought her to come down, and take 
her hunter lover for a husband ; but the maiden too well knew the 
treachery that was hidden in their promises, and when her dirge was 
ended, she leaped from the lofty pinnacle, and fell among the rocks 
and shrubbery at its base, a martyr to true affection." ' 



Frontenac, on Lake Pepin, 

(See Illustration.) 
358 Miles from Chicago— 51 Miles to St. P?iul. 

Has a national reputation for the beauty of its scenery, the perfec 
tion of its climate, the varied interests of its drives, and its facilitiL- 
for boating, bathing, trout fishing, and grouse shooting. Wise fore 
thought, guided by cultivated taste and inspired with a generous con 
fidence in the greatness of the Mississippi Valley, has planned Fron 
tenac as the Newport of the Northwest — the site of the hotels 
and summer residences of the future. The liberal expenditure o 
money has been made so thoroughly in harmony with the wealth o' 
Nature's gifts, that it is already one of the most charming suraniei 
resorts in the land. 

The view w^e give of this exquisitely beautiful spot is taken fron 
the bluff overhanging Frontenac ; the point projecting into the laki 
in the foreground is occupied by the buildings, cottages, and pleasure 
grounds of the Lake Side Hotel, one of the most accessible an i 
most charming in all its surroundings of the summer hotels of outj 



Chicago <Sb St. Paul Line. 43 

country. The village of Frontenac is on the plateau above, and 
not in view. The view from these blocks and lots is secured in 
perpetuo by the dedication of the whole line of the terrace and slope 
of the bank as a park. 

The long, narrow point, extending far out into the lake, is Point 
Au Sable, supposed to have been the site of the fort built by the 
earliest military expedition sent by the Count Frontenac, Governor- 
General of Canada, to explore the Mississippi. The last point of 
the opposite bluff is Maiden Rock. (See Lake Pepin.) On the 
right, in the middle distance, is seen the gleam of the houses and 
spires of Lake City. The railroad station is only a few rods from 
the Lake Side Hotel, and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 
Railway is the only road by which Lake Pepin can be reached. 

Wacouta, Minn. 

Sas Miles from Chicago— 46 Miles to St. Paul. 

Red Wing, Minn., 

369 MUes from Chicago— 40 .Miles to St. Paul. 

This is a flourishing town, the county seat of Goodhue county, 
and the commercial centre of the rich and populous country sur- 
rounding. 

Hastings, Minn., 

390 Miles from Chicago— 19 Miles to St. Paul. 

The county seat of Dakota county, is situated on the west bank of 
the river. At this point the railroad crosses the river just in the 
region of the limestone walls; these, though not very high, produce 
a forcible impression by their length and regularity. The bluffs rise 
over them in great green domes, and, in many places, large trees crown 
their ledges ; but there are other instances where, for miles, these 
walls stand alone, unadorned by vegetation — white, glaring and 



44 Chicago^ Milwaukee <b St. Paul Railway. 

monotonous. Gtill, the quiet strength and sternness of this forma- 
tion impress some individuals more forcibly than actual beauty ; 
and, where tliese ramparts are i)artially covered with great trailing 
wild vines, they are indeed highly pictui-esque. The river scenery 
at this point is essentially lovely. There is a multiplicity of islands, 
showing every possible view of woodland and prairie. The effect 
is park-like, and, when a full moon pours upon the scene a flood of 
silver light, nothing more softly beautiful can be imagined. 

St. Paul, Minn. 

Population, 30,000 — 109 Miles from Chicago— 11 Miles to Minneapolis. 

As a railroad and commercial centre, St. Paul is the junction point 
of the two great lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Pail- 
way, here blending into one line, which continues on to Minneapolis. 
It is, also, the southern terminus of the St. Paul & Pacific, and the 
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroads; the western terminus of the 
West Wisconsin, and the northeastern terminus of the St. Paul & 
Sioux City Railroads; a port of entry; capital of Minnesota; and 
county seat of Ramsey county. It is situated 2041 miles from the Gulf 
of Mexico, 11 miles below the Falls of St. Anthony, 5 miles below the 
mouth of the Minnesota, and it Ins an altitude of 690 feet above 
the sea. The city is most advantageously situated upon the north 
or east bank, at the foot of a bluff, rising from 50 to 100 feet above, 
and extending some miles down the river. Crowning this bluff are 
many of the most elegant private residences in Minnesota. 

St. Paul is the oldest settlement in the State. Father Hennepin 
speaks of having visited its site in 1680, and Jonathan Carver made 
a treaty in 1767, with the Dakotas, in Carver's Cave. This cave is 
still in existence, under Dayton's Bluff, within the city limits. 
The site of the city has been known to the Dakotas from time 
immemorial as '' Immin-i-jaska,'' or "White Rock," from its high 
bluff of white sandstone, a i)rominent landmark. In 18o8, just 



Chicago <k St. Paul Line, 45 

after the Indian title to the land east of the Mississippi had 
been extinguished, the first settlement was made by one Parrant, 
a Canadian, who built a cabin on Bench street. In 1840, a little 
log chapel was built by Father Gaultier a Catholic missionary, 
on the present site of "Catholic Block." The church, or mis- 
sion, was called St. Paul's, which henceforth became the name of 
the settlement. From this date, the village grew slowly until the 
organization of the territory, in 1849, and the location of the capital 
at St. Paul gave it a new impetus. That spring, there were only 
thirty buildings of all kinds in the village, but, at the close of the 
season, St. Paul contained several hundred people. 

At the first session of the territorial Legislature, in November, 
1849, the "Town of St. Paul" was incorporated, with an area of 
290 acres. On March 4, 1854, the " City of St. Paul" was incor- 
porated, with 2,400 acres in its boundaries; the limits were extended 
in 1858, to include 3,200 acres, its present area, giving it a river 
frontage of about four miles. Its growth in population for a few 
years was hardly surpassed by any city in the Union. In 1838, it 
had only three inhabitants; in 1846, ten; in 1848, about fifty; in 
1849, 400 ; in 1850, 1,112 ; in 1854,4,500 ; in 1857, 9,973; in 1860, 
10,267; in 1870, 20,031; and at the present time, 1875, it contains, 
in round numbers, thirty thousand souls. 

The fishing and hunting are very attractive to sportsmen, and 
hundreds of persons come here for sport alone. 

Places and Objects of Interest 

Twenty-four miles around St. Paul. 

WEST SIDE OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 

Mendota 5 miles. 

Fort Snelling and Ferry (see illustration) <> " 

Falls of Minnehaha (see illustration) 8 " 

Diamond Lake 9 " 

Rice Lake 10 " 



46 Chicago^ Milwaukee c& St. Paul Railway. 

Lake Amelia 10 miles. 

Mother Lake 10 " 

Wood Lake 11 " 

Grass Lake 11 

Minneapolis 11 " 

Cedar Lake 13 

Crystal Lake 14 ' " 

Lake Calhoun 14 " 

Lake Harriet 14 " 

Medicine Lake 16 " 

Shakopee 23 

Lake Minnetonka 24 

EAST SIDE OF MISSISSIPPI KIVEll. 

Carver's Cave 1 mile. 

Fountain Cave (see illustration) 3 

Lake Como 8 " 

Phaion's Lake o 

Little Canada 6 " 

Gervais Lake 

Mazaska Falls G " 

Bass Lake G " 

Valnois Lake 7 " 

Black Bass Lake 9 " 

Fawn's Leap and Silver Cascade 9 

St. Anthony's Falls 11 

White Bear Lake 12 

Bald Eagle Lake 14 

Stillwater (St. Croix river) 18 " 

Hudson, Wis 20 " 

Forest Lake 24 " 

One of the chief attractions, of a picturesque nature, is in the 
vicinity of the Little Minnehaha river, an outlet of Lake Minne- 



Chicago <b St. Paul Line. 47 

tonka, whose waters empty into the llinnesota neai' the contiucnce 
of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers. 

Lake Minnetonka, twenty-four miles from St. Paul, is one of 
the largest sheets of water in the State. It is irregular in shape, 
some twenty-eight miles in length, and several in width ; but it is so 
cut up into innumerable bays, arms, and inlets, that its greatest 
width at any one place is not more than four or five miles, yet 
it has over two hundred miles of coast. Its shores nre indented 
with beautiful bays, while fertile lands and sloping bluffs, crowned 
with forest trees, come down to the water's edge. Islands covered 
with the vivid green of Minnesota's foliage, are scattered liberally 
over its surface, and the pure, sparkling water abounds with the 
finest fish, affording great sport to the angler. Sail and row boats 
can be procured at the hotels for pleasure parties, and those desiring 
to see the extended beauties of land and water scener}'- can take a 
trip in the miniature steamer which plies daily to all parts of the 
lake. The fish mostly found in these waters arc bass, pike, and 
pickerel of a fine quality. 

Minnehaha River, the outlet of the lakes in this vicinity, is a 
shallow, sparkling stream; it dashes over its pebbly bed and around 
its little islands in the most gleeful manner, and, suddenly — without 
a warning, without even any preliminary rapids — it makes the leap 
which is called the 

Falls of Minnehaha. 

(See Illustration.) 

A graceful leap it is. The stream springs over in one sheet of 
sparkling foam, landing in a basin which for centuries it has been 
busy hollowing out for itself. There is here but little water, yet 
what there is, appears to more advantage at its lowest than at its 
highest volume; for the chief beauty of the falls is in the crossing 
of the delicate spiral threads of water, producing an effect which 
reminds one of fine lace. About two hundred feet below, there is a 



48 Chicago^ Mllvmukee <& St. Paul Railvmy. 




FALLS OF MINNEHAHA — NEAR MINNEAPOLIS. MINN. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



Chicago <Jb St. Paul Lme. 49 

bridge, and as this is only thirty feet long, it will assist the reader 
in forming a correct idea of the proportions of this famous cata- 
ract. The gorge is elliptic in form from the centre of the falls to 
the bridge, and quite narrow everywhere. The depth is about sixty 
feet. On each side of the top of the falls are numerous birches, 
and the summits of the gorge are crowned with various other forest 
trees. Below the bridge, the blulis or banks on each side cease to 
be precipitous, and come sloping down to the water's edge, the 
branches of many of the trees actually dipping into the brinli. 
The veil of the falling water is so thin that one can see the rock 
behind it. There is a good path behind, which even ladies can 
follow, except when the wind blows in the wrong direction. 

Fort SneUing. 

(See Illustration.) 

Two miles below Minnehaha, on the edge of the bluff (see illus- 
tration) is the oldest settlement and the oldest government post in 
Minnesota. It was commenced in 1820 by a detachment of the 5th 
Regulars, under Col. Josiah Snelling, and was finished in 1822. It 
was first called "Fort St. Anthony," but in 1824, Gen. Scott visited 
it, and he was so pleased with it, that out of compliment to Col. 
Snelling, who superintended its erection, he proposed to the War 
Department to call it Fort Snelling, which was done. It was the 
principal post in Minnesota for many years. In 1857, the garrison 
was discontinued, and the fort remained dismantled until 1861, when 
the First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteer Infantry took possession 
of it. During the war, it was the State Military Rendezvous, 
and, at times, as many as three or four thousand men were in the 
garrison. 

The fort is built of limestone, in the form of a hexagon, and is 
quite neatly and handsomely constructed. It was never designed to 
be secure from any foe but Indians, and is but poorly fortified. It 



CJiicago <i' St. Paul Line. 51 

stands on the point of a high promontory, a conspicuous object for 
miles around, while from its bastions a fine view is obtained of the 
Mississippi and Minnesota valleys for many miles. It is a lovely 
sight in summer and autumn. 

In the foreground of our illustration can be seen the ferry at this 
point, a flat-boat guided by a pulley on a wire rope, tlie current of 
the river forming the motive power. 

Carver's Cave, 

Is the most noteworthy antiquity near the city. Capt. Jonathan 
Carver was one of the explorers of Minnesota, over a century ago. 
May 1, 1767, he held a treaty in the " Great Cave," which now bears 
his name. He states in his work that the Indians gave him a deed 
of a large tract of land, but the Government would never recognize 
his title to it. In describing the cave, Carver says: 

" Abont thirty Hiiles below the Falls of St. Anthony, at which I arrived the tenth 
day after I left Lake Pepin, is a remarkable cave of amazing depth. The Indi-ms 
term it ' Wakan-Teebe ' (the ' Dwelling of the Great Spirit '). The entrance into it 
is about ten feet wide, the height, five feet. The arch within is near fifteen feet 
high and about thirty feet broad. The bottom of it consists of fine, clear ?and. 
About twenty feet from the entrance begins a lake, the water of which is transpar- 
ent, and extends to an unsearchable distance, for the darkness of the cave prevents 
all attempts to acquire a knowledge of it. I threw a small pebble toward the 
interior parts of it with my utmost strength. I could hear that it fell into the 
water, and, notwithstanding it was of so small si^e, it caused an astonishing and 
horrible noise, that reverberated through all those gloomy regions." 

Fountain Cave. 

(See Illustration.) 

Upon the carriage road between Fort Snelling and the city of 
St. Paul, in a romantic dell, is "Fountain Cave," a remarkable nat- 
ural curiosity. It is a large cave, apparently hollowed out of the 
white sand-rock by a stream which flows through it. The visitor 



52 Chicago, Ifilwankee (Jb\St. Paul Railway. 




FOUNTAIN CAVE— NEAR FORT SNELLING. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



Chicacfo ct St. Paul Lhie. 53 

can explore it for several hundred feet. There are two or three 
spacious and lofty rooms, the principal one being twenty-tive feet 
wide, twenty feet high, and one hundred feet in length. The acous- 
tic properties of the cave are the cause of a singular delusion: stand- 
ing at the point represented by the figures in our engraving, the rip- 
pling and droppings of a playing fountain can be distinctl}^ heard — 
hence the name, "Fountain Cave." 

Minneapolis, Minn, 

Population, 30,000—4-20 Miles from Chicago— 11 Miles to St. Paul. 

The two great lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway 
meet here, the trains of each arriving and departing from the same 
point. Local trains also run hourly between Minneapolis and St. 
Paul. Minneapolis is the county seat of Hennepin county, and is 
beautifully situated on both banks of the Mississippi river, at the 
Falls of St. Anthony. The great source of wealth of Minneapolis 
is its immense water power. 

St. Anthony Falls. 

The descent of the river here is seventy -five feet wi'hin a mile, and 
its width is fully eight hundred yards. The Minnesota Mill Compan3^ 
proprietors of the water power, have extended a dam into the middle 
of the stream just above the falls. This dam is lined with saw mills 
and factories, while grist and woolen mills line the shore of the river 
below, a race or canal supplying them with water power. 

Here is a perfect wilderness of manufactories, which the stranger 
should not fail to visit. Along the dam there are about a dozen of 
the largest saw mills in the Northwest, lath and sbingle mills, tub 
and pail factories, sash and door factories, planing mills, etc. These 
are so situated that the logs floated down from the pineries are drawn 
directly into them and worked up. Along the canal there are also 
immense grist mills, woolen factories, foundries, etc. 



64 Chicago, Milwaukee <k St. Paul Railway. 

A drive through the streets of Minneapolis will surprise one at 
the value and taste of its business blocks, in a city but thirteen 
years old. 

A lady of culture and refinement, possessing all the advantages 
acquired by extended travel, describes this locality as being, without 
exception, the loveliest spot she ever beheld. The comfort, elegance, 
and luxury of the private residences of Minneapolis, she has never 
seen surpassed. Her expression is only a repetition of that of every 
intelligent touri t and pleasure-seeker in this most remarkable of all 
localities in the North wesi, the vicinity of Minneapolis and St. Paul. 
The Falls of Minnehaha and St. Anthony, Fort Snelling, Lake 
Calhoun, and points along the Upper Mississippi, are but pleasant 
drives from here, and to many just easy walks. 

A few years ago the Falls of St. Anthony were a picturesque 
sight, tumbling over great masses of rock; but now they are almost 
hidden by the multitude of mills and factories which line the river. 
There is still sufficient interest about them to repay a visit. 

Suspension Bridge, 

The only carriage road between East and West Minneapolis lies 
across Nicollet Island. This is a picturesque island, situated in the 
middle of the river, about one hundred yards above the falls. It 
contains about fifty acres, and is mostly covered with a fine growth 
of large forest trees. The island has recently been laid out in lots, 
and it will soon be covered with dwellings. 

The Suspension Bridge here was the first bridge ever built across 
the Mi iGsippi river. It was erected in 1855, at a cost of $50,000. 
It is 6C5 feet from tower to tower, and, as a work of mechanism and 
a triumph of engineering skill, is worthy of notice. 

•lust l>elow East Minneapolis, formerl}'' the city of St. Anthony, 
the wagon r'^^d winds around the edge of the bluffs, where the river 



Chicago S St. Paul Line^ via Prairie du Chien, 55 

foams and tumbles 100 feet below, affording some remarkably pic- 
tm-esque scenery. Here are the "Bridal Veil" and "Silver 
Cascade," the outlet of streams shooting over the edge of the bluff. 



CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL LINE, 

Via Prairie du Chien. 

Milwaukee. 

Population, 100,000—85 Miles from Chicago— 193 Miles to Prairie du Chien. 

The eastern terminus of the Prairie du Chien line, and junction 
with main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee «fe St. Paul Railway, which 
continues from Milwaukee south, a few miles from the shore of Lake 
Michigan, to Chicago. (For full description of this division of the 
road, and the city of Milwaukee, see Chicago and St. Paul Line.) 

Brookfleld, Wis. 

14 Miles from Milwaukee— 179 Miles to Prairie du Chien. 

Waukesha, Wis. 

Population, 3,500—20 Miles from Milwaukee— 173 Miles to Prairie du Chien. 

This is the county seat and most important town of Waukesha 
county, beautifully situated on Fox river. Within the last few years 
Watikesha has attracted much attention as a summer resort, partly 
owing to the famous surroundings of lake and woodland scenery, 
and also to the waters of the celebrated Bethesda Mineral Spiings, 



56 Chicago^ Milwaukee S St. Paul Railvmy. 

the miraculous cures of which have made the place known through- 
out the United States and Europe. These springs were accidentally 
discovered in 1868, since which time they have increased in popular- 
ity, until, at the present time, the waters are shipped in casks and 
barrels to all parts of the world. Waukesha is within easy distance 
of the famous Lake Region of Wisconsin, for a full description of 
which see Chicago and St. Paul Line of this Railway. It possesses 
many attractions for summer visitors. 

Eagle, Wis. 

36 Miles from Milwaukee— 157 Milts to Prairie du Chien. 

Palmyra, Wis. 

Population, 1,500—42 Miles from ?>lilwaukee— 151 Miles to Prairie du Chien. 

At this point, there are especial attractions for invalids in the 
medicinal properties of the two groups of springs in the vicinity. 
Their chemical properties differ in many respects; some are chalyb- 
eate, while others are strongly impregnated with the different chlo- 
rides, bicarbonates and sulphates. Here is also a remarkable subject 
of interest, a cave twenty-five feet in length and twelve feet across, 
having perpendicular sides covered with rich, verdant foliage. It is 
situated in the bottom of a lake some two feet deep, covering an area 
of about one-fourth of an acre in extent. The color of the water 
within the cave is of the most delicate opaline tints. Here a beau- 
tiful phenomenon is revealed — the reflection of the sky overhead in 
the depths of water of a crystalline purity. At the bottom of the 
cave, fine white crystal globules resembling sand, reflecting in the 
sun all of the prismatic hues, boil and bubble unceasingly; this is 
the source of the spring. Extended drives from this point bring the 
visitor to the beautiful Lake Region of Wisconsin, where a stay can 
be prolonged to weeks, and even months, in admiring the many 
attractions within the county. 



Chicago cb St. Paul LinSy via Prairie du Chien. 57 



Elkhart Lake. 

Wisconsin is famous for her beautiful lakes, the annual resort of 
thousands of people in quest of health and pleasure. Among the 
loveliest of these is Lake Elkhart, acknowledged to be one of the 
healthiest places in the West. It is 57 miles north of Milwaukee, on 
the Wisconsin Central Railroad. The Wisconsin Central Railroad 
connects in same depot at Milwaukee with (slhicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railwa5^ 

Elkhart Lake covers about 800 acres, and is pleasingly diversified 
by bays which coquettishly wind around jutting bluffs, beneath 
whose shades the crystal water slumbers, so pure and clear that the 
white sand and gravel of the lake-bottom can be plainly seen at a 
depth of 20 to 25 feet. All the brilliant colors of the rainbow are 
reflected on the smooth and sparkling surface of the water, and 
bordered by a beautiful green reflected from the foliage of the hill- 
side. As viewed from the elevated verandah of Marsh's Swiss Cot- 
tage, the scene is beautiful beyond description. The hills that sur- 
round the lake are verdant with pine, spruce, maple, basswood, red 
and white cedar, while wheat-fields now and then peep through 
forest vistas, affording to the eye, as it feasts upon the varying charms, 
a most pleasing variety. A steamboat and barge, sail and row-boats, 
will run in connection with the cars on the Wisconsin Central Rail- 
road, and convey passengers to any part of the lake desired. 

Milton Junction. 

f)2 Miles from Milwaukee— 131 Miles to Prairie du Chien. 

Eastern terminus and junction of the Janesville and Monroe 
branch of this Railway. 

Hanover, Wis. 

18 Miles from Milwaukee — 27 Miles to Monroe. 



58 Chicago^ Milwaukee cfe 8t. Paul Railway. 

JanesvilBe, Wis. 

71 Miles from Milwaukee— 34 Miles to Monroe. 

The Wisconsin Division of the Chicago & North-Western Railway 
and the Janesville and Monroe branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railway cross each other here. Janesville is the county 
seat of Rock county, Wisconsin ; it is situated on the east and west 
banks of Rock river, which here furnishes extensive water power 
for manufacturing purposes. The city is built principally on a level 
space about 200 yards wide between the river and the bluffs, which 
rise to the height of nearly 100 feet. Janesville is justly noted for 
its beautiful location, and the fertile lands surrounding it— the valley 
of Rock river being unsurpassed for its productiveness, while the 
uplands are especially adapted to wheat growing. 

The new court house here, said to be the finest in the State, com- 
pleted at a cost of $112,000, built of Milwaukee brick elaborately 
trimmed with stone, occupies a conspicuous position on the summit 
of the bluff, and presents a handsome appearance. 

Few more delightful places can be found to visit during the sum- 
mer or autumn than the city of Janesville. 

Monroe, Wis., 

Population, 4,000—105 Miles from Milwaukee. 
Is the present western terminus of the Monroe branch of the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. At no distant day this 
line will be extended to the Mississippi river at Dunleith, 111., oppo- 
site Dubuque, Iowa. 

Madison, Wis. 

Population, 15,000—95 Miles from Milwaukee— 98 Miles to Prairie du Chien. 

The most important station on the Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien 
Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway is Madison. 
Branch lines also connect the city with the Chicago and St. Paul 



Chicago S St. Paul Line., via Prairie du Chien. 59 

Line of this road at Watertown, extending due east thirty-six miles, 
and at Portage City on the north, thirty-nine miles. Madison is the 
capital of the State and the county seat of Dane county. The city is 
pleasantly situated on an isthmus about three-fourths of a mile wide 
between Lakes Mendota and Monona, in the centre of a broad valley 
surrounded by heights, from which it can be seen at a distance of 
several miles. In the immediate vicinity are four beautiful lakes. 
Lake Mendota, the largest, lies northwest of the city; it is six miles 
long by four miles wide, with clean gravelly shores, and an estimated 
depth of about sixty feet, suflEicient for navigation by steamboats. 
Lake Monona is rather smaller, but it floats a small steamer, which 
affords a most delightful excursion around the lake. 

This beautiful city and its vicinity are much frequented by pleas- 
ure-seekers in summer. The locality combines and overlooks more 
charming and diversified scenery to please the eye of fancy and 
promote health and pleasure than any other in the West. In this 
respect Madison surpasses every other State capital in the Union. 
Its bright clear lakes, fresh groves, rippling rivulets, shady dales, and 
flowery meadow^ lawns, are commingled in great profusion and dis- 
posed most picturesquely. 

The capitol building is a beautiful stone structure standing on an 
eminence seventy feet above the level of the lakes, in the centre of a 
public park of fourteen acres. The streets which lead from the 
capitol toward the cardinal points descend gradually to the shores of 
the lakes, excepting the one which extends westward to College Hill. 
On this eminence, one mile west and about 125 feet above the lake, 
is situated the University of Wisconsin. 

The hotel accommodations of Madison are excellent; the fine 
roads in the vicinity offer inviting drives, while the lakes afford 
every facility for fishing and rowing. 

Helena, Wis. 

130 Miles from Milwaukee — 63 Miles to Prairie du Chien, 



00 Chicago, Milwaukee <fe St. Paul liaihouy. 







' '%W 



WARNER HOUSE— SPARTA, WIS. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St, Paul Railway. 



Chicago & JSt. Paul Line^ via Prairie (ht Cliien. 61 



Prairie du Chien, Wis., 

Population, 3. 500—193 Miles from Milwaukee— 214 Miles to St. Paul. 

Is an old and interesting town, situated on the east bank of the Mis- 
sissippi river, four miles above the mouth of the Wisconsin river. 
It stands at an altitude of 600 feet above the Gulf of Mexico. By 
the river, Prairie du Chien is sevent3"-one miles above Dubuque, 
sixty-two miles below La Crosse, and 292 miles below St. Paul. 
The site is a level prairie about two miles wide, inclosed on the east 
by rocky bluffs, which stretch along the river upon both sides for 
hundreds of miles. This was one of the oldest settlements in the 
Northwest, i!s history dating back over a century. A steam ferry, 
making trips every half hour, connects Prairie du Chien and 
McGregor, Iowa, upon the opposite side of the river, three miles 
below. 

McGregor, Iowa, 

Population, 2,500—212 Miles to St. Paul. 
Is the southeastern terminus of the Iowa and Minnesota line o'' the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway; it is situated on the west 
bank of the Mississippi river, opposite Prairie du Chien, with which 
it is connected by ferry transfer. The town is divided into ISTorth 
McGregor and South McGregor. Here may be found much to admire. 
The site is at the mouth of a small creek, in a narrow ravine, or 
" coolie," with Mississippi's bluffs towering high upon both sides. 

Beulah Junction, Iowa. 

26 Miles from McGregor— 203 Miles to St. Paul. 
Junction of the narrow gauge road extending southwest to Elcader. 

Postville Junction, Iowa. 

26 Miles from McGregor— 186 Miles to St. Paul. 
Junction with this line and northeastern terminus of a branch of 
the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota Railroad. 



G2 Chicago, 3filwaukee <£• St. Paul Railway. 

Calmar. 

Population, 2,500—43 Mile? from McGregor— 169 Miles to St. Paul. 

A branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & ISt. Paul Ilailwa}' extends 
from this point through Mason City to Algona, 169 miles west of the 
Mississippi river at McGregor. 

Conover, Iowa. 

4G Miles from McGregor— 166 Miles to St. Paul. 
A branch ro^d, northeast from this point, extends to 

Decorah, Iowa. 

Population, 2,500—55 Miles from McGregor— 157 Miles to St. Paul. 

The county seat of Winnesheik count}', on the Upper Iowa river, 
in the midst of a rich and populous district. 

Trains between Decorah and Conover make close connection with 
all trains between St. Paul and McGregor. 

Austin, Minn. 

Population, 3,000—111 Miles from McGregor— 101 Miles to St. Paul. 

This is the count}-^ seat of Mower countj^ Minn., situated on the 
west bank of Cedar river, surrounded by a fertile farming district; 
it en303^s a large trade with this and adjoining counties and 
Northern Iowa, and it is fast becoming one of the most important 
interior towns in the State. A branch line of this road extends 
southwest from this point to Mason City, completing the St. Paul con- 
nection over this road of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota 
and the Central Iowa railroads. 



Chicago & St. Paul Line, via Prairie dii Chien. 68 
Ramsey, Minn. 

114 Miles from McGregor— 98 Miles to St. Paul. 

Crossing of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, extending from 
La Crosse, Wis., to Winnebago City, Minn. 

f Owatonna, Minn. 

Population, 2,500—144 Miles from McGregor— 68 Miles to St. Paul. 

The crossing of the Winona, St. Peter, New Ulm, and Lake Kam- 
peska Line of the Chicago & North-Western Railway — trains con- 
necting for all points. Owatonna is a rapidly growing and flourish- 
ing town, the county seat of Steele county; it is pleasantly situated 
on the west bank of the Owatonna or Straight river, which here 
flows northward. 

Faribault, Minn. 

Population, 5,000—159 Miles from McGregor— 53 Miles to St. Paul. 

Faribault, the county seat of Rice county, is one of the most prom- 
ising towns in the State. The town was the site of an old trading 
post kept by Alexander Faribault since 1826. The first frame house 
was built in 1854 and the town laid out in 1855. It is pleasantly 
situated between two small rivers, which furnish water power for 
the growing manufacturing interests. 

Faribault is a city of churches and schools. The Episcopalians 
have here their college for boys, the " Shattuck Grammar School and 
Seabury Mission," and a young ladies' seminary, St. Mary's Hall — 
both excellent colleges. The Central High School building here is 
of stone, costing $30,000. 

This is the residence of the Rt. Rev. H. B. Whipple, Bishop of 
this Diocese. The Episcopal Cathedral, a magnificent edifice now in 
course of construction, will cost, when completed, $100,000. There 



04 Chicago^ Milwaukee <& Sf. Paul Railway. 

ciie here six churches of other denominations, the Roman Catholic, 
standing on a high hill, being especially prominent. 

The State Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind is located here 
on the blulf east of the city. It is a substantial building, and its 
cost wa^ $53,000. 

Northfield, Minn. 

Population, 2,000—173 Miles from McGregor— 39 Miles to St. Paul. 

This town is handsomely situated upon the east bank of Cannon 
river, on the edge of a rolling prairie, and near extensive forests. 
Carleton College, one of the prominent institutions of the State, is 
located here; six miles north, and about one mile east of the rail- 
road, plainly visible from the cars, is the remarkable curiosity. Castle 
Rock, a tower of white sandstone, which rises to a height of forty 
feet above the prairie. 

Farmington, Minn. 

Population, 1,000—186 Miles from McGregor— 26 Miles to St. Paul. 

The crossing of the Hastings and Dakota Line of the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul Railwa}^ extending from Hastings on the Missis- 
sippi river (see Chicago and St. Paul Line) west to Glekcoe, Minn., 
its present western terminus, a distance of seventy -four miles, cross- 
ing the St. Paul & Sioux City Railroad and the Minnesota river at 
Shakopee, Minn. Farmington is in the midst of one of the great 
wheat growing districts of Minnesota, and in the vicinity can be 
seen many fine prairie farms. 

Mendota or St. Paul Junction. 

206 Miles from McGregor— 6 Miles to St. Paul— 9 Miles to Minneapolis. 
Junction of the two lines leading from this point to Minneapolis 
and St. Paul. Mendota, an ancient town vw the opposite side of the 
Minnesota river, is situated at the confluence of the Minnesota and 



Chicago <fb St. Paul Line^ ma Prairie du C/iien. 65 




SILVER CASCADE— NEAR ST. ANTHONY, MINN. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



66 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paid Railicay. 

Mississippi rivers. The name is Sioux, and means the " Meeting of 
the Waters." Since time immemorial the Sioux have had a village 
here. In 1819, the detachment of troops sent to build Fort Snelling, 
made a cantonment here near the mouth of the river, traces of which 
still exist. 

Mendota was the seat of the Indian Agency for several 3'ears sub- 
sequent, and was called " St. Peters," or *' New Hope." It was also 
chosen as the headquarters of the American Fur Company, and was 
an important trading post until St. Paul was settled in 1847 or 1848. 

(For full description of St. Paul, Minneapolis, and objects of 
interest in the vicinity, see the Chicago and St. Paul Line.) 



ST. PAUL AND MASON CITY LINE. 

Upon this branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Line, via 
Prairie du Chicn, extending southwest from Austin, Minn., Ill miles 
west of the Mississippi, to Mason City, la., distance 40 miles, trains are 
run direct from Mason City to St. Paul, forming a north and south 
line, and an outlet to the three great north and south roads that 
traverse the State of Iowa. At 

Lyie, IVIinn.y 

115 Miles from St. Paul— 29 Miles to Mason City. 

Connections are made with the Cedar Falls & Minnesota Division of 
the Illinois Central Railroad direct for Charles City, Cedar Falls 
and Waterloo. 



Milwaukee, Mipon, Berlin, Oshkosh, Etc., Line. 67 
Plymouth, Iowa, 

135 Miles from St. Paul— 9 Miles to Mason City. 

Is the northern terminus of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids «fe Minne- 
sota Railroad; close connections are here made for Cedar Falls, 
Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Muscatine, Burlington, St. Louis 
and southern points. 

Mason City, Iowa, 

Population, 2,000—144 Miles from St. Paul— 117 Miles west of McGregor, Iowa. 

At the southern terminus of the St. Paul & Mason City Line, is, also, 
a station on the Algona & McGregor line of the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railway, extending west 169 miles, from the Mississippi 
river at McGregor, to Algona, Iowa. Mason Cityi^ also the northern 
terminus of the Central Iowa Railroad, which, in connection with 
the St. Louis, Kansas City & Northern Railway, connecting at 
Ottumwa, Iowa, forms a continuous line from St. Paul to St. Louis, 
palace cars and sleeping coaches running through without change. 

Mason City is the county seat of Cerro Gordo county; it is pleas- 
antly situated at the junction of Willow and Lime creeks, and is 
one of the many active and prosperous towns of Northern Iowa. 



Milwaukee, Ripon, Berlin, Oshkosh & Winneconne Line. 

Milwaukee. 

Population, 100,000—85 Miles from Chicago— 83 Miles to Kipon— 196 Miles to Berlin— 
103 Miles to Oshko!?h— 104 Miles to Winneconne. 

Here the Berlin, Oshkosh & Winneconne Line forms a junction 
with the main line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, 
extending to Chicago. (For a full description of Milwaukee, see the 



68 Chicago, Milwaukee <& JSt. Paul Raiiway: 

Chicago and St. Paul Line.) From Milwaukee this division extends 
nearly due northwest to 

Horicon Junction, 

54 Miles from Milwaukee— 44 Miles to Portage City. 

Which is situated at the southern extremity of Horicon lake, at the 
head waters of the eastern branch of Rock river. At Horicon 
Junction, a branch of this Company's lines extends to Portage City, 
(see description of Portage City on the Chicago and St. Paul Line), 
crossing the Wisconsin division of the Chicago & North- Western 
Railway at Minnesota Junction, Ihi'ee miles east of Horicon. 



Beaver Dam, Wis., 

Population, 4,500—63 Miles from M ilwaukee— 35 Miles east of Portage City. 

Is situated on Beaver Dam river, an outlet of Beaver Dam lake, 
which here furnishes valuable water power for the manufacturing 
interests in the vicinity. The lake is about eight mi!e>i long and two 
miles wide, extending northwest and southeast; it forms the head 
waters of a principal tributary of Rock river. 



Fox Lake Junction 

69 Miles from Milwaukee— 29 Miles east of Portage City. 

Is the station for Fox Lake, two miles distant, with which it is con- 
nected by a line of street cars, conveying both freight and passen- 
gers. Fox Lake is a thriving business town of about 2,000 inhabit- 
ants; it is situated on Beaver Dam river, near Fox Lake, a beautiful 
sheet of water, circuhir in form, and about two miles in extent. At 
this point are located many important manufacturing establishments. 



Milwaukee^ Ripon^ Berlin^ Oshkosh^ Etc., Line. 69 




FOUNTAIN CAVE— NEAR FORT SNELLING. 
On the Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 



70 Chicago^ Milwaukee tfc St. Paid Railioay. 

Burnett Junction 

59 ^liles from ^lilwaukee— 5 Miles north of Horicon Junction. 

Is the crossing of the Wisconsin Division of the Chicago & North- 
western, and the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- 
way, ex' ending from Milwaukee to Ripon, Oshkosh, Berlin and 
Winneconne, 

Waupun, Wis. 

Population, 2,500—68 Miles from Milwaukee— 15 Miles south of Ripon. 

The Wisconsin State Prison is situated on Rock river, two miles 
distant from this railroad station. Stages connect with all trains. 

Ripon, Wis. 

Population, 3,500—83 Miles from Milwaukee— 20 Miles south of Oshkosh. 

At this point the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Line diverges to 
Oshkosh; it is, also, the crossing of the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac 
Railroad, six miles east of Green Lake, a station on the latter road, 
and for which trains make close connection. 

Green Lake has an average length of fifteen miles and a width 
of three miles. Its embankments vary from beautiful grassy slopes 
to high rocky cliffs, bordered with evergreens, presenting the greatest 
diversity of physical character, and affording unlimited natural ad- 
vantages for pleasing and romantic rambles. The waters are very 
pure, and so transparent that their pebbly bed may be seen at a depth 
of from twenty to thirty feet. A new and beautiful miniature steam- 
boat has been placed on the lake, affording opportunities for excur- 
sions and pleasure visits to the many attractive spots on the shores. 

The hotel accommodations here are equal to those of any of the 
famous watering places of the East. Great taste has been exercised 
in the ornamention of the grounds, which, considered in connection 
with the variety and beauty of the natural scenery here, make the 
locality very popular as a summer resort. 



MlhoattJcee^ Hipon, Berlin^ Oshkosh, Etc., Line. VI 
Oshkosh, Wis- 

Population, 15,000—103 Miles from Milwaukee— 20 Miles northeast of Ripon, 

The northern terminus of the Oshkosh and Milwaukee Line of the 
Chicago, Milwaulcee & St. Paul Railway. Trains run from Oshkosh 
direct to Chicago and intermediate points. 

Oshkosh is the county seat of Winnebago county ; it is situated 
upon both sides of the Fox river at its entrance into Lake Winnebago, 
on ground that slopes gradually toward the lake and river, affording 
good drainage for the whole city. Immediately above the city the 
river widens into Lake Butte des Morts. Owing to the proximity of 
so much water, the heats of summer are much tempered, and the 
nights in particular are always cool and pleasant. 

Lake Winnebago, the largest lake in the State, is comprised 
within the limits of Winnebago, Calumet and Fond du Lac counties. 
Its greatest length, nearly due north and south, is about twenty-eight 
miles ; greatest breadth ten or eleven miles, having an area of about 
212 miles. Its surface is estimated to be IGO feet above Lake Michigan. 
The depth is unequal, but it is sufficient for navigable purposes. The 
east shore presents a remarkable feature for an extent of fifteen miles, 
consisting of a wall of rocks, laid together as if placed by the hand 
of man. This wall generally rises about five feet above the surface 
of the water, and in some places extends hundreds of feet below. 
Its waters abound in various varieties of fish of fine flavor, afford- 
ing rare sport for the angler. 

Fox river is the outlet of the Ship Canal connecting the Fox and 
Wisconsin rivers (see description of Portage City). Here vessels 
constructed upon both sides of the Alleghany mountains, meet in 
the same docks. 



72 Chicago, Milxocmkee <i* t^t. Paul Railvmy. 



Berlin, Wis., 

Population, 3,500—96 Allies from Milwaukee— 13 Miles north of Ripon 

Is the uorthern terminus of the Berlin and JMilwaukee Line of th: 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railwa}^ a flourishing town of 
Green Lake county, situated on the Neenah river. It has a good 
steamboat landing, and it is the centre of an active trade. 



I 



Winneconne, Wis. 

Population, 2,000— 104 Miles from Milwaukeo— 21 Miles north of Ripon. 

This point is the northern terminus of the Milu'aukec and Winnii 
conne Line of the Chicago, Milwaukee tfc St. Paul Railway; trains 
run through direct to Chicago and intermediate points. 

Winneconne is fourteen miles northwest of Oshkosh, and is pleas- 
antly situated on Wolf river, near the mouth of Fox river, at the outlet 
of Poygan lake. Poygan lake is irregular in form, and contains an 
ar^a of about seventy miles, the greatest length being twelve 
miles, with an average width of four and one-half miles. AVolf river 
enters on the north, near the eastern extremity, and flows out at the 
southeast corner, forming its outlet. 



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